The Harrowing Accidents that Came Close to Taking My Life

Over my 80 years, I've had narrow escapes from death by accidents that almost turned fatal. In 1989, while driving in Nashville, I narrowly dodged two tractor-trailer trucks that hit me head-on at 70MPH, a scenario that could have taken my life. Race driver reflexes saved me both times, but it wasn't a joke—a close encounter with the Grim Reaper is no laughing matter. As I joke, the scar on my forehead from the car that hit me the first time serves as a constant reminder of that terrifying day.

Falls from heights, while bizarre, have also come agonizingly close to becoming my fate. Ladder falls, even from the height of a giraffe unicycle, are anything but typical. I can only attribute my survival to the grace of Superman, or should I say, Spiderman.

Much like a scene from a horror movie, I nearly succumbed to flames after using gasoline to eradicate bugs. A near self-immolation made me question the very nature of survival instincts. In the midst of a New Mexico mountain road trip, the path became a chaos of gravel and mud, nearly causing me to lose control of the car. Without cell service, the end could have been gruesome.

In an inexplicable twist, I faced canine danger in New York City, when a meat packer's hook nearly took my hand. Added to the mix were the stinging horrors of over 100 bee stings: an army of bees inflicted over 1000 stings, enough to kill an average human. Despite my intense interest in beekeeping, my defensive nature was seemingly compromised. Gloves forgotten, my hands became swollen, intensifying my exposure to danger.

A Time When Life was Worth Less than Nothing

Beyond the physical dangers of the world, my mental state has had its share of near misses. During a period of extreme darkness, I grappled with suicidal thoughts, a stark reality that often felt like I was on a collision course with my own end. The automated self-preservation mechanisms that keep us alive appeared to shut down. I found myself nearly walking under cars multiple times while driving, a subconscious urge to die that battled my conscious resolve.

The fight against despair in daily life began when I sought help. Unfortunately, the initial therapist's approach was misguided, pushing me to the brink. Curiously, this mental state led me to focus on something positive, something that forced me to see life in a different light. Slowly but surely, the darkness began to lift.

It was a tough period of intense struggle, but it taught me that while death can indeed be near, so can healing and recovery. Many years later, I reflect on those near misses and heartfelt urges with a mixture of fear and acceptance. My journey is a testament to the human spirit that can, and often does, prevail in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.